Suburbia Foliata

An ongoing series of photographs documenting what are considered affluent suburbs in Cork and Waterford, drawing on the idea of ‘leafyness’ as an indicator of wealth. This originates from the idea that people with more land have more room for trees but in the case of most modern suburbs any designation in relation to class is also connected to the maturity and exoticism of the planting. Areas largely occupied by families who have been in residence since the origins of the housing development have a noticeably settled atmosphere, a sense of longevity that is reflected in the planting and its maintenance. This is further bolstered by the common practice of shared initiatives such as a residents association and neighbourhood watch. The outsourcing of the maintenance of shared areas adds results in a more manicured appearance. This is often paired with competitive gardening and material displays of wealth and lifestyle. The planting in particular lends itself well to display, much like the feathers of a bird, but also offers opportunities to reflect the personalities of the property owner, whether they be private, minimalist or exhibitionist.